Program Manager (ISR Programs)

Twenty-Six Defense; Fairfax (VA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k with company match

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Voluntary benefits

Job summary

Twenty-Six Defense Maritime is seeking an experienced Technical Program Manager to lead complex, high‑visibility defense programs across Airborne ISR missions. This role supports Navy, Army, and other DoD customers and requires a strong engineering background with proven leadership of large programs valued at $10M+.

You will manage cost, schedule, technical performance, and P&L, oversee subcontractors, coordinate with customers and internal teams, and drive risk management, requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or STEM field.
• 10+ years in program/project management, systems engineering, or product development.
• Experience leading or supporting ISR programs through development, integration, test, and operations.
• Experience managing complex schedules, budgets, and cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end planning, execution, and delivery of defense programs spanning development, engineering, manufacturing, test, deployment, and end-of-life phases.
• Manage program scope, schedule, budget, and P&L performance, including IMS oversight and resource planning across multi-disciplinary teams.
• Serve as primary point of contact with customers, senior leadership, subcontractors, and internal stakeholders to ensure alignment with objectives.
• Oversee 4–5 subcontractors, ensuring performance and integration across program activities.
• Work with technical leads on system requirements, design trades, and implementation.
• Identify, assess, and manage risks, opportunities, and change requests to protect cost and schedule.

Skills

DoD Secret Clearance

Program management

Leadership

Budget planning

Risk management

Customer liaison

Negotiation

Communication

Education

Bachelor's in Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office

Microsoft Teams

Job description

Twenty-Six Defense Maritime, a Twenty-Six Defense company, is a world leader in the design, development, testing and production of complex electromechanical systems and sensors, including Sparton sonobuoys. The company delivers a variety of sensing and advanced analytics capabilities that enable our nation to dominate the maritime domain.

Job Summary

Twenty-Six Defense Maritime is seeking an experienced Technical Program Manager to lead complex, high‑visibility defense programs across Airborne Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions. This role supports Navy, Army, and other DoD and Gov customers and requires a strong engineering or technical background with proven leadership of large programs valued at $10M+. The Program Manager is responsible for overall cost, schedule, technical performance, and P&L execution.

Responsibilities And Tasks

• Lead end‑to‑end planning, execution, and delivery of defense programs spanning development, engineering, manufacturing, test, deployment, and end‑of‑life phases.
• Manage program scope, schedule, budget, and P&L performance, including oversight of integrated master schedules (IMS) and resource planning across multi‑disciplinary teams.
• Serve as the primary point of contact with customers, senior leadership, subcontractors, and internal stakeholders to ensure alignment with technical, contractual, and mission objectives.
• Oversee 4–5 subcontractors, ensuring performance, compliance, and integration across program activities.
• Work closely with technical leads on system requirements, design trades, and technical implementation.
• Identify, assess, and manage program risks, opportunities, and change requests to protect program cost and schedule performance.
• Negotiate key financial and programmatic issues with customers.
• Develop bid strategies, coordinate proposal efforts, and support business development.
• Analyze financial information for bids, program progress, forecasting, profit enhancement, and cost management.
• Prepare and provide inputs for annual sales plans, budgets, and long‑term strategic planning.
• Maintain strong customer relationships and identify growth opportunities within existing programs.
• Travel as required to support customer engagements, subcontractor oversight, program reviews, and field operations.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Education, Experience & License Or Certification

• 4-year degree from an accredited university in Engineering or other STEM field OR a combination of education and relevant experience.
• 10+ years of experience in program or project management, systems engineering, or product development roles.
• Experience leading or supporting execution of ISR programs through development, integration, test, and operations
• Experience managing complex schedules, budgets, and cross-functional teams in a fast‑paced environment

Skills And Abilities

• Possess or ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret Security Clearance (U.S. citizenship required).
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, prioritize effectively, and drive complex programs with limited oversight.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Deep understanding of the Defense acquisition lifecycle, contract types, and budget processes.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Microsoft Teams.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally, when required.

Travel/Physical Requirements

• 25% Domestic and International travel requirement
• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. The work environment characteristics described are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. This job operates in a professional office environment and a manufacturing environment. The employee may be exposed to fumes or airborne particles, moving mechanical parts and vibration. The employee is occasionally exposed to a variety of extreme conditions in the plant. The noise level in the work environment may be loud.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, talk, and communicate, use hands/finger, feel, and reach with arms. This position requires the ability to lift, bend or stoop as necessary up to 50lbs.

Benefits Highlights

Healthcare

• Robust medical, dental, vision, & disability coverage.
• Healthcare concierge to help you navigate your benefit selections.
• Virtual health solutions for physical therapy, menopause, and diabetes.
• Company paid Basic Life Insurance. Additional Life & AD&D Insurances are available.
• On-site wellness clinic.

Paid Benefits

• Competitive compensation.
• 401k program to plan for your future with company match 75% up to 8% plus 1% Employer contribution.
• Company Paid Time Off (Vacation and Sick).
• Paid parental leave.
• Adoption assistance.
• Fertility and family building assistance.

Additional Benefits

• Flexible work schedules available based on position:
  • 9/80 schedule providing every other Friday off
  • 5/8s
  • 4/10s
  • 3/12s
• Lifestyle spending account.
• Perks at work.
• Generous employee referral program.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Voluntary benefits available: longer term care, legal, identity theft, pet Insurance, and many more options

These are highlights of Twenty-Six Defense benefits. If there is a conflict with these highlights, company policy or benefits plan documents shall govern. Benefits are subject to change.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

Accessibility

Twenty-Six Defense Maritime is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with physical and mental disabilities.If you need special assistance or an accommodation while seeking employment, please email us at @26defensemartime.com

Disclaimer

This job description does not list all the duties of the job. You may be asked by your supervisors or managers to perform other duties. The employer has the right to revise this job description at any time. The job description is not a contract for employment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.